European Union advocates for "Jehovah's Witnesses"

The European Union criticized the decision to ban "Jehovah's Witnesses" in Russia. According to officials, members of the organization have the right to freedom of assembly, said the European External Relations Service, as reported by Sedmitsa.

On April 20, the Supreme Court of Russia recognized the activities of the "Administrative Center of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia" as extremist and banned its activities. The court also decided to hand the organization’s property over to the state.

"Jehovah's Witnesses", like all other religious groups, should be able to freely enjoy freedom of assembly without interference, as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Russian Federation, as well as Russia's international obligations and international human rights standards," the statement said.

The Center of Jehovah's Witnesses can still appeal against the decision of the Supreme Court if it files a complaint until the decision comes into force. However, earlier the Ministry of Justice had temporarily prohibited the organizaitons's activities, pending the outcome of the official court case.

After the Supreme Court session, representatives of Jehovah's Witnesses told reporters that they intended to appeal the verdict.

The organizarion "Jehovah's Witnesses" was founded in 1931, with their headquarters based in New York State.